The SVT-40 does actually have a last round hold open and may be reloaded by either switching the magazine or the use of magazine chargers and the integral stripper clip guide.
Seems to me the bolt hold open could be manually engaged if you wanted to put your fumbly bits in there and lift the little catch.
- Darren 1 PL West Nova Scotia Regiment 2000-2003
1 BN Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 2003-2013
You couldn't trade me all the G/K43 and SVT40 rifles in the world for one good M1 Rifle. Despite it's very few shortcomings, the design beats all the other gas operated semi auto weapons of it's era hands down. Plus a few modern ones too!
Despite it's very few shortcomings, the design beats all the other gas operated semi auto weapons of it's era hands down.
Honestly I wouldn't choose any of the three given a choice, and given the era, the early production SKS that was fielded in 1945 would be my choice. High volume of fire, low recoil impulse, light weight, shorter length, enough oomph to reach out to 400m and strike a man sized target with irons. It was probably the first rifle to lead us down the path of post WW2 combat rifle thinking.
- Darren 1 PL West Nova Scotia Regiment 2000-2003
1 BN Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry 2003-2013
"SKS that was fielded in 1945"
Yeah, right, the famous SKS... what, never heard of it? Can't imagine why, it was so much better than the Garand... NOT.
Honestly I wouldn't choose any of the three given a choice, and given the era, the early production SKS that was fielded in 1945 would be my choice. High volume of fire, low recoil impulse, light weight, shorter length, enough oomph to reach out to 400m and strike a man sized target with irons. It was probably the first rifle to lead us down the path of post WW2 combat rifle thinking.
The 7.62x39 cartridge did not exist in 1945. The cartridge experimental production was 7.62x41mm.
The 7.62x39mm cartridge was type accepted in "mid" 1947.
PM
Originally Posted by 
